Chapter 9

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The Slytherins were unusually quiet as they trudged back from the quidditch match. However, Malinda walked with extra pep in her step.

"How?" An almost angry voice demanded from behind.

She paused, letting Blaise catch up and he shook his head in disbelief. "How did you know they'd win?"

"The spirits told me," she wiggled her eyebrows.

"No," his silver eyes hardened. He still wore his quidditch uniform, rumpled and torn in the sleeve from a nasty mid-air fight. "Really, how did you know?"

"Lucky guess actually. Had to bluff you and get my money back… and more."

"Seemed more than just a bluff."

"Well, it wasn't," she huffed.

"Why don't I believe you?"

Malinda frowned and fought hard to keep her face calm. In the pit of her stomach, paranoia and worry began to build. Thankfully, Clare looped her arm through her's and quipped, "Don't mind him. He's just upset he lost twice as much to you."

Malinda grinned, feeling her stomach settle as she was spared from an awkward conversation. "Butterbeers are on me this weekend."

"Excellent!" Clare beamed but then sombered slightly. "Blaise, you played well. I am sorry that we lost."

"You did great," Malinda agreed. "Don't take my bet personally. As my father says, it was simply a business decision."

Their friend shrugged and fell back, rejoining the other Slytherin players. Their anger was obvious as they stomped through the snow. A few had some well-deserved bruises from Ginny Weasley. Malinda felt bad, her house had lost, but the heavy bag of galleons in her future was well worth the bet. It would be nice to have the extra money. Despite her friends believing she was rich, truth was she was living off Dumbedore's kindness. She assumed the headmaster was well-off, but it still felt wrong to ask him for more of an allowance. After all, he'd already paid for custom, expensive wizard clothes for her Hogsmeade weekends.

Nearby, a large crowd of Gryffindors carried Ron, hoisting the hero keeper in the air. Their chants carried over the cold air clearly, "Weasley! Weasley!"

It was times like this she wished she was in Gryffindor, just so she could see the party and drama that would ensue. To be part of the books. To see Hermoine, her own hero, fully realize her feelings.

She glanced over her shoulder, seeing Draco walking far behind by himself. She was surprised he had attended the match- expecting him to use the time to work on the vanishing cabinet while the castle was empty. But he'd always loved quidditch and even though he wasn't on the team, the urge to watch must've been too strong. It was a sign that some part of a normal teenage boy still remained.

"Hey," Malinda pulled away from Clare gently. "Go on ahead. I need to ask Draco about our potions assignment."

Clare looked behind them and she furrowed her brows. "Good luck. He hasn't spoken to me in weeks. I don't know how you put up with his piss poor attitude."

"Do you know what's going on with him? He wasn't like this at the start of term," Malinda fished.

"He's never been like this. I've known Draco my whole life. He's usually… so confident."

"You mean arrogant?"

Her friend smiled faintly. "To put it nicely, yes. But this year, it's like he's a different person." She paused and glanced nervously around. Bending over she whispered, "Rumor is Pansy's parents are negotiating an end to the betrothal. Apparently his family has fallen out of favor with… him. After Lucious was captured, things got bad."

"So I've heard," Malinda lied.

"You heard too?"

"My family try to keep afloat with the latest political news. The Malfoy-Parkinson marriage is no small topic."

"True, but honestly, I think they're both better off. Pansy is my dear friend, but she wouldn't have been happy with him. Especially now. Don't mention that I told you so though."

"I won't," Malinda said. "Well, I just want to talk to him about potions. Highly doubt we'll discuss politics or marriage."

Clare rolled her eyes. "With you, who knows what'll come up. See you later."

Malinda slowed down, letting the crowd pass her up. She took her time walking, her wand out of its holster and barely in her palm, just in case. She moved to the edge of the path, facing inward so she could watch the students walk by. Draco was still a distance away when she saw Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom walking suspiciously close, shoulder-to-shoulder. Luna had her usual dazed expression, but eased with a smile and slight blush.

"Nice hat," Malinda complimented. "The roar was a nice touch."

Neville immediately moved Luna behind him and snapped, "L-Leave her alone Selwyn."

Malinda blinked in confusion. "Excuse me?"

"I said leave her alone."

"Uh," Malinda leaned over to look at Luna directly. "Is this bloke bothering you? Should I walk you back instead?"

Luna maneuvered around Neville to say, "No, that's alright. Neville, she's my friend."

"W-What?"

"Anyways back to your hat," Malinda ignored the shocked Gryffindor. "Did you make it yourself?"

"Yes, my father sent me the materials and I put it together."

"It's fantastic. Think you could make a snake one? I'd pay you for it." Oh yes, the extra money coming her way had so much potential.

Luna's smile grew, "Perhaps. I'll ask my father if he minds sending me some green cloth. I'll have to work out a hissing charm though."

"Excellent," Malinda nodded. Draco was close now and she waved, "See you later. Neville, next time, don't be a prat. Kay, bye!"

She hopped back into the path and moved until she was a few feet in front of Draco. He slowed and came to a stop, appraising her. The snow fell softly, settling onto his blond hair, and he said nothing. His expression was hard to read, even his eyes seemed empty, so she considered her words carefully. A few stray students walked past, giving the pair odd looks. One girl whispered to the other, but stopped when Malinda sent them a harsh glare.

She relaxed her expression though when she asked, "Enjoy the match? It's a shame we lost."

"I hear you won a decent amount from our loss."

"Just a smart business decision. I'm still team Slytherin in here," she said, tapping her heart.

He took a step forward. "You bet on Gryffindor winning, you're friends with the looney Ravenclaw, you sit with the Mudblood in the library-"

"Stalking me are you?"

"Just returning the favor. I saw you sit with her, it was a disgrace."

"I hate to break it to you, but that same witch has kicked your ass every year academically."

"And now you're defending her. What sort of pureblood are you? Who are you really?"

"Malinda Selwyn," she gave a mocking curtsey. "Nice to meet you."

Draco's facade cracked. Irritation flashed across his face. "You're no pureblood, not even American society would tolerate your behavior."

"My behavior?"

"You disregard etiquette completely, befriend blood traitors and half-bloods, and have made no marriage match attempts," he listed. "I think you're a liar. I don't think your parents sent you here to examine our society, I think they sent you away from theirs."

Malinda's eyebrows shot up, "Huh, never thought about that theory. I can see why you'd think that, with your upbringing. Still, you're wrong wrong, but I like your thinking. You're right on some of it though I don't follow etiquette because it's horrifically sexist, dumb, and complicated. I'm friends with Jones and other non-purebloods because they're nice, smart, and hard-working like I want my friends to be. And I've made no marriage match because I'm sixteen and haven't fallen in love yet."

She boldly took a few steps forward, her wand still in hold. "But you know what? I'm happy. I'm so very happy because I have friends, good grades, and a bright future. Can you say the same?"

Draco's jawline tightened.

"No," she took another step forward. "No, you can't. You're miserable, you're scared, and worse you're in so much danger that you don't even know how to proceed. You and your mother, especially now that he's angry with your father."

The blood drained from Draco's face completely, making his so pale that he nearly matched the snow landing in his hair. Silence fell over them. They were the last students on the path now, the others already nearly to the castle and the warmth. Daphne's charms were nearly worn out now, the cold beginning to sink into Malinda's bones. When Draco didn't say anything, she nodded towards the castle. "Come on, I want to show you something."

"No."

She rolled her eyes, "It's a real treat, trust me."

"I'm sure it is."

"Draco, I'm not going to attack you or turn you in. I want to show you something- It'll cheer you up."

"No."

"Why not?"

"I don't trust you."

"Right. Well, how about this then? We can have a chat and you can ask me some of your burning questions."

"And you'll answer them?"

"Yes," she answered.

"Truthfully?" He challenged.

The lie came easy. "Yes, I'd like for you to trust me."

His jaw tightened but he nodded. "Fine."

Malinda turned slightly and gave a graceful wave of her arm. "To the castle then."

They walked slowly, even cautiously together. Draco ensured to keep a wide distance from her, his body angled so that he was always to watch her. Silence fell over them, only the crunch of their shoes against the ice making noise. Even after they entered the castle, Draco chose not to speak.

It wasn't until they came to the portrait of the fruit that he spoke. "You wanted to show me a portrait?"

"Patience, my young padawan," Malinda said with a smile and tickled the pear. The fruit moved and gave a giggle, making Draco raise a delicate eyebrow. It began to change color, turning green and morphing into a handle.

Malinda pulled the handle and the portrait swung open, revealing the bustle and organized chaos that was Hogwarts' kitchen. House elves moved quickly, obsessed with their next task and urgently trying to meet the impending dinner.

"Ever been to the Hogwarts kitchens?" A genuine smile tugged her lips up when she saw Draco's eyes widen in surprise. "I'm guessing not then. Come on, let's sit by the fire and get warmed up."

Now that they were surrounded by house elves, Malinda pushed her wand back into its holster slyly. The hardest part was over. He was here. Him agreeing to talk was a good sign. Hopefully she wouldn't screw this up.

"It's…" Draco looked around in recognition. "It's the same as the Great Hall."

"Yes, they place the food here and then just like that," she snapped her fingers, "it gets sent upstairs. Neat, right?"

At the end of the kitchens was a massive fireplace. Elves moved quickly with a purpose, no doubt getting ready for the dessert wave coming next. Most ignored them, a few gave Draco fearful looks, but it seemed Dobby had successfully warned them ahead of their visit.

The nearest table was the mock-teachers table and Malinda pulled back the headmaster's seat. "Want to know how it feels?"

Draco gave her a cool look and settled into Snape's usual seat instead, a few chairs away. Malinda pushed Dumbledore's chair back in and sat next to Draco.

"Hungry?" She asked then looked around, "Dobby?"

The elf appeared suddenly. His huge eyes peered at her, "Yes, Miss?"

"Y-You," Draco straightened.

She and Dobby had planned this trip to the kitchens. The elf had been furious and terrified at the prospect of speaking to a Malfoy again, with hints of anger. But Dumbledore had given her permission to tell Dobby the truth. So she had and perhaps it was because elves had magic different to wizards, or perhaps it was because Dobby was just a pure soul… But he believed her and more importantly, wanted to help save the youngest Malfoy.

As a result, Dobby was nothing but friendly as he bowed his head slightly to the familiar blond wizard. "Hello, Mr. Draco. Will you be joining Miss for dinner?"

When Draco didn't answer, Malinda spoke up, "Yes, please. If you don't mind?"

"Of course!" Dobby took off.

Draco's eyes snapped to Malinda, full of accusation. "You brought me here to embarrass me. You both did."

"No," Malinda held up her hands in mock surrender. "Quite the opposite. I come down here when I miss meals or just need to get away. I think you need a safe place to go too."

"Do you know what he was to my family?" Draco sneered.

"Yes," she replied honestly. "Getting to know Dobby helped me learn about you. It made me want to help you. No, wait!"

The chair screeched against the stone floor as Draco stood up suddenly. "You've been studying me? Are you a spy? Do you realize if he finds out that someone knows about my work, I'm dead?!"

"Stop," Malinda reached out impulsively. Her hand settled over Draco's and squeezed. "Please, just stay and listen. Look, it's warm and safe in here. The elves are too busy to listen and if it makes you feel better, we can cast some silencing charms. You need to listen to me."

Draco stared at their hands, frozen in place. Then, she could feel him begin to shake slightly. "He'll kill me."

"He won't."

"He'll kill my mother too."

"He won't," Malinda paused then dropped the bait. "Actually, she's one of the main reasons he loses the war."

Silence.

Plates floated and landed with gentle clanks as Dobby returned with their dinner. Food steamed, filling Malinda's nose and her stomach grumbled. Her attention was stolen though when Draco roughly pulled his hand away. She froze too, waiting to see what he would do.

She relaxed though when he slowly sat back down. He ignored Dobby and lifted a fork, ready to eat.

"Thanks Dobby," Malinda said and the elf nodded before leaving again. With her hand, Malinda murmured the silencing spells and a clear, magical dome barrier covered them. As it formed, the loud and bustling kitchen faded away, until it was a dull and faraway noise.

Draco chewed, obviously taking the food as an excuse to mull over this thoughts. Finally, he turned and spoke coldly. "Explain."

Malinda ignored her own food, despite her stomach's protests, and settled into her chair. She kept her body angled, facing him and hands on the table. "I wasn't joking when I said I had a vision about the game today. I knew we would win because Weasley would crush it. I knew it because I'm a seer."

When he didn't interrupt her, she continued the rehearsed words. "You were right. My parents didn't send me here to see society. My parents didn't want me to come at all but I had to. Because I know all about the war that is coming. I've seen the war and how it ends. No matter what you think you know, Voldemort will lose. Not only will he lose, he'll die. We both know about the prophecy- It says Harry will kill him and that's exactly how it happens."

"You're insane."

She ignored him and carried on. "He's going to break your father and the others out of Azkaban soon. Your home, Draco Malfoy, will become his headquarters and your family will learn quickly that they've let a monster into their home. A monster out of control. Your father and mother will regret their decisions and eventually, your mother will switch sides to save you."

Malinda leaned forward, her voice strained, "I'm here to save you too. I've seen the future and it's not kind to you. I watched as you were forced to take the mark. I've seen you try to kill Dumbledore and fail. I've seen you struggle to stay alive in your own home-"

"Stop it."

"I've seen your end," Malinda said vaguely. Snape had thought it too cruel to threaten Draco with impending death. Instead, he thought his godson would be more motivated by an unknown end. "But we can change it. We can save you and your mother, your father too if that's what you want."

"Want?! What I want is to you to get the fuck away from me!" Draco shouted, his arms lashing out and knocking their plates away. They flew off the table and shattered on the ground. "Shut up you filthy mudblood lover!"

Instantly, Dobby was there. The small elf stood on the table, his arms thrown out in a shield, blocking Malinda. Her heart both warmed at the gesture and tightened at Draco's fury.

"It's a lot to take in," she tried to calm him. "I know-"

"You know nothing!" Draco hissed. "You have no idea what my life is or will be."

"Actually, it's you you don't know anything," Malinda snapped. "Do you remember Mr. Stripey?"

The ridiculous name made Draco stop. He stared, shocked. Malinda jumped on the hesitation and said, "Do you remember how angry your father became when you carried it to your betrothal announcement? He slapped you and made you throw in the fire."

"H-How do you…" Draco answered his own question when his gaze fell on Dobby.

"He hit you again when you started to cry, but your mother made him stop. She said red marks on your face would show at the announcement so he stopped," Malinda spoke quickly, the words spilling out. "But when you got home, you found Mr. Stripey on your bed waiting for you, didn't you? And you kept it hidden from your father. Do you know how Mr. Stripey got there?"

She pointed at the house elf between them. "Dobby reached into the fire and got him for you. His hands were so badly burned your mother actually snuck a mediwizard in to heal them. Your father doesn't know that part though. You have no idea how many times Dobby helped you and took beatings for you."

"But," Draco shook his head in disbelief. His head was reeling, Malinda could just see the confusion overtaking his thoughts. "But Mother never told me-"

"Your mother has done her best to shield you from the worst of it," Malinda frowned. "At least, in her own way."

Dobby held his head up, proud. "I did my best to shield the young master too. Mistress asked me to help her, to not tell our Master what we did."

"Your mother grew up in the same pureblood world you did. Her parents, her insane sister, and her husband have trapped her in it. But you… you have the potential to escape and take her with you. Voldemort will lose this war and it's up to you if you want to be on the winning side, or go down with the snake."

"Just-" Draco's chest was heaving now. He was starting to break quickly, too quickly. Panic rose in him. "Just stay away from me!"

His chair toppled over as he fled. Running and shoving elves out of the way as he crossed the kitchen. He nearly tore through the portrait before disappearing.

Dobby held his small hands to his chest, "Oh, Miss. I think we scared him."

"The truth is scary. Draco has a big decision to make," Malinda bit her lip nervously. "Hopefully he makes the right one or our job becomes much more difficult."